The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) ruled that automatically denying Portuguese citizenship to applicants with criminal convictions punishable by prison is unconstitutional. The decision involved a woman sentenced to a 120-day fine for perjury who challenged the automatic refusal under earlier nationality rules. Judges determined that authorities must evaluate the specific circumstances of each case rather than applying a blanket restriction.
Court Blocks Automatic Citizenship Ban for Criminal Convictions
Monday, 2 November 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) is Portugal's highest court for constitutional review. Its primary role is to assess whether laws, decrees, and government actions comply with the Portuguese Constitution, and it has the power to strike down or suspend unconstitutional measures.
The court consists of 13 judges — 10 appointed by the Assembly of the Republic and 3 co-opted by the other judges. It also oversees the legality of political parties and their finances, verifies election results, and rules on the constitutionality of referendums.
The Constitutional Court is frequently in the news when opposition parties, the President, or the Ombudsman refer controversial legislation for review — such as labor reforms, housing laws, or immigration policy changes. Its rulings are final and binding.
